That's the question, in some form or another, being asked these days regarding Brentwood Academy football.

With 10 state championships, the Eagles once ruled the roost in that category. However, the last came in 2006, and since then, Maryville (13 overall) has won three and Alcoa (12) four to become the winningest programs in Tennessee.

Brentwood Academy also has slipped locally. Ensworth and Montgomery Bell Academy have won four Division II-AA titles combined since BA's last, and the Eagles haven't made a championship game appearance since 2008.

The point that this isn't your father's Brentwood Academy was made dramatically over the past three weeks, as the Eagles dropped consecutive contests to Father Ryan, St. Xavier of Ohio and MBA.

Against MBA, Brentwood Academy's final 11 possessions resulted in no points. And while the Eagles of old featured a fairly balanced offensive approach, gone, apparently, are the days where they can - or will - line up and knock opponents off the ball if needed to keep a drive going or cap one in the end zone. After converting five straight third downs to start against MBA, the Eagles were 1-for-10 the rest of the way.

Something's missing. Call it swagger, call it an edge, call it what you will, but it's not there for Brentwood Academy.

CIRILLO: DON'T PANIC

Brentwood Academy isn't the superpower it once was, but it's too early to say the Eagles won't return to that level.

Former coach Carlton Flatt created high expectations after winning 10 state titles and 354 games during his 34 years as coach of one of the state's most recognized football programs.

That makes it difficult for any coach who follows him, but the private school continues to attract many of the Midstate's top players.

As long as that happens, the foundation is still there for more state championships.

But the Eagles are in a tough spot, off to a 2-3 start for the first time in the 44-year history of the program.

They are in danger of losing four straight for the first time since 1971 - the only losing season in school history at 3-7-1 when BA had its first varsity schedule.